By Shawn Hogendorf, Staff Writer 

A 52-year-old Prior Lake man was charged with serving a minor after he failed an alcohol compliance check conducted by police during the Prior Lake Chamber of Commerce’s “Ladies Night Out” event on Sept. 17.

During the check of the downtown event, an 18-year-old woman – who was accompanied by a Shakopee police officer – attempted to enter the gated beer garden area where alcohol was being sold, according to Lt. Randy Hofstad. The underage woman and the police officer were stopped by a bouncer at the gate and asked to show wristbands. The Shakopee officer was of legal drinking age.

During the check, the minor and the officer stated they didn’t have wristbands, Hofstad said. The person at the gate then told them they were technically supposed to have a wristband to be in the gated area but allowed them in anyway.

Once inside the gated area, the 18-year-old woman and the police officer each asked the Prior Lake volunteer for a beer, and both were served. The man sold the 18-year-old woman a Miller Lite in a red cup for $3 without checking identification, according to the criminal complaint, filed on Oct. 29 in Scott County.

The man admitted to police that he sold the woman a beer without asking for identification. He went on to tell police he thought she was of age because he assumed her ID was checked at the entrance to the beer tent area.

The man’s first court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 7 in Scott County court. If convicted, he faces a maximum of one year in jail and/or a $3,000 fine. 

Shawn Hogendorf can be reached at (952) 345-6374 or shogendorf@swpub.com.